Dubai To Host First World Drone Prix Race
As stated by the Crown Prince of Dubai, “one of the most anticipated races” is coming up on March 11 and 12 in Dubai. In fact, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is hosting the race himself in Dubai. To promote the race, there is a video of a race between a drone and a McLaren supercar in which the Prince posted on Instagram to demonstrate just how awesome this race is going to be. Both raced through an obstacle course. It doesn’t matter who won though because it is just an awesome type of race.
The biggest drone race in history is around the corner book ur tickets at https://t.co/kIvcwAHKud @worlddroneprix pic.twitter.com/yN9m73IRVv
— Dubai_Calendar (@Dubai_Calendar) March 6, 2016
According to Emirates 247, this race will consist of over 100 drone racing teams from across the entire world. The actual races will happen after the pre-qualifying events that are being held in Los Angeles, Berlin, Seol, as well as a few cities across China. Not only this, but there will also be an “American Idol” style program to be held before the actual race. However, the race will happen in Dubai itself where the teams will show up and compete for 32 top spots for the real grand prix race being held.
Every team will compete in the pre-qualifying events for two days, March 7 and 8 to see who actually goes on to the real race on March 11 and 12, the World Drone Prix race.
This race is happening to promote drone technology and the sport is the first one of its kind. Although it is being hosted by the Crown Prince of Dubai, it is being organized by the World Organization of Racing Drones.
As mentioned above, this is the first of its kind that brings together fans, racers, and manufacturer’s from all over the world to bring together the technology of drones and human capability. The World Drone Prix is being held at the Skydive Dubai. Mark your calendars for March 11 and March 12.
Also according to Emirates 247, there will, of course, be prize money to go to the winners. The prize money is $1 million. The prize money will be split and go to racers in different categories including Best Free Style Team, Best Lap Time, Best Track Time, and so on.
You can see a video below that shows a drone and a supercar racing. According to Gizmodo, you may wonder which one is the fastest and which could beat the other. Well, Gizmodo reported that although a drone can go up to top speeds of 98.17 miles per hour, the supercar can go much faster at almost 207 miles per hour. Which one do you think would win the race?
Emirates 247 states that this will not only be the very first drone racing competition, but it will be the largest one as well. For more information on the race, check out the official website here.
Drone racing is a great sport now and it is growing to be one of the best technology sports there is. It is open to all races, genders, and ages and is family friendly, even for the children.
The Secretary General, who is helping organize the racing event, had this to say about this family friendly, fun experience.
“We are extremely proud and thrilled to have all the international and local competitors race in Dubai, and are looking forward to introducing the public to a new sport that is open to participants of all ages, genders, and abilities.”
Emirates 247 also reports that the UAE previously showed their enthusiasm for drone technology by launching what is called, “Drones for Good Award.” The Drones for Good Award is a good cause that promotes how the advancement of technology that drones are bringing to humans is a great thing, which in turn can help improve humanitarian initiatives in a positive way. This first drone racing event is helping to promote this cause.
[Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images]
